Alternative Visions of the Indigenous People’s Movement in Latin America

Abstract

This article analyses the civilisational content of contemporary indigenous movement in Latin America. From a profound critique of Eurocentrism, this social movement builds on its rich historical roots and ancient civilisations to project themselves as a regional movement with a universal reach. The indigenous movement in Latin America has evolved from being a resistance movement to become a movement that challenges governments and political power in several countries of the region. Whilst developing a strategy for integration based on their acknowledgement of belonging to a historical, geographical and cultural unity, the Latin American indigenous movement has placed in the centre of the debate and political action, key issues that will redefine future political scenarios in the region.

Key elements of this shift include: the construction of ‘pluri-national’ states based on the principle of ‘unity in diversity’ as the centrepiece of the new democracy in the region, the recognition of indigenous civilisations as a source of knowledge, skills and identities for the construction of a collective future; consideration of life as a main principle for social and political action; recognition of the motherland or Pachamama as the fundamental source and the space where life happens. These new processes are producing profound changes in the Americas, which certainly will create better conditions for the emergence of a globally oriented civilisation, more balanced, equitable, inclusive and able to overcome the colonial mentality and its faulty power structures.